Iowa Commission of Persons with Disabilities
LUCAS STATE OFFICE BUILDING - DES MOINES, IOWA 50319
TERRY E BRANSTAD                        Jean K. Samson
GOVERNOR                                Graduate Intern
DONALD W WESTERGARD
ADMINISTRATOR
281-5969
                        MEMORANDUM
TO:     Donita Swenson, Caseworker
        Office of Senator Tom Harkin

FROM:   Jean Samson, Graduate Intern (242-6172)
        Commission on Persons with Disabilities

DATE:   May 24, 1992

RE:     Program Accessibility under ADA for Day Care Providers

Recently at an ADA presentation, a number of child care providers
requested information on their requirements to provide program
access to children diagnosed with behavioral disorders. There was
concern that some child care facilities would be unable to
adequately meet the needs of children. with behavior disorders.

A specific example was provided by a public school child care
program, which had accepted a child with this diagnosis. The child
care program indicated that this child required one on one
supervision in order to provide the child a safe environment. The
day care center indicated that the child would wander off if not
carefully watched., as well as exhibit other serious safety violations.
This day care facility had hired extra staff for the summer to work
with this child but indicated that this could not continue indefinitely.
The day care facility wanted to terminate their services with this
child but were uncertain of their requirements under ADA.

The day care industry has asked for guidance on this issue and I
would appreciate any information you could provide us in this area.
I look forward to hearing from you.
                A DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RIGHTS
01-01418